Santa Monica State Beach (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Santa Monica State Beach?
What makes it 90% Solo-Friendly: A solo traveler can jog the Strand, join pick-up volleyball, or take a surf lesson, and lifeguards plus many cafés support a flexible, safe day, though you must watch valuables on crowded sand.
Positives:
- Lifeguard patrols: Trained lifeguards monitor major beach sections from 8 am to sunset.
- Transit access: Bike racks and Big Blue Bus and Metro Expo Line stops are just blocks away.
Challenges:
- Weekend crowding: Pier and beach space fill early on weekends.
- Metered parking: Street and lot parking require coins or app payment; limited spots.
What is Santa Monica State Beach?
- A 3.5-mile stretch of state beach fronting Santa Monica Bay in Los Angeles County
- A state-managed coastal park characterized by broad sandy shores, dune formations, and staffed lifeguard towers
- The historic western endpoint of U.S. Route 66 adjacent to the iconic Santa Monica Pier
What is so special about Santa Monica State Beach for solo trip?
- Run or jog on a 22-mile oceanfront path.
- Play chess at the open-air International Chess Park.
- Learn to surf in a small-group lesson.
- Explore marine life at Heal the Bay Aquarium.
- Watch sunset scenes from a pier bench.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Enough time to jog, take a surf lesson, visit the aquarium, and catch sunset without rushing.
Solo-Friendly Activities in Santa Monica State Beach
Run the Marvin Braude “Strand” bike path:
Jog on the smooth 22-mile paved trail beside the ocean.
Tip: Start at sunrise for cooler air and quieter paths.
Play chess at International Chess Park:
Challenge yourself on public tables and a sidewalk board.
Tip: Bring extra pieces or a timer for longer matches.
Take a small-group surf lesson:
Learn basic surfing with board and wetsuit included.
Tip: Book a morning slot to catch smaller waves and fewer surfers.
Visit Heal the Bay Aquarium:
Explore local marine life under the pier through interactive exhibits.
Tip: Check feeding times online to watch the shark feed.
People-watch at sunset on the pier:
Sit on a bench and watch surfers, fishermen, and changing skies.
Tip: Arrive 20 minutes before sunset to grab a good spot.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Santa Monica State Beach
- Use public transit: Ride the Metro Expo Line to Downtown Santa Monica to avoid parking.
- Pack essentials: Bring water, snacks, and sun protection—shade is scarce on the sand.
Reviews of Santa Monica State Beach
Patrick C
A timeless, iconic beach with an urban backdrop. Not so much for the pristine waters and the seclusion, like, say, a beach on the south orange county coast, but more for the cosmopolitan panache that reflects what most visiting tourists might think of when they visualize Los Angeles. The drawbacks are its crowds, especially during summer, and now, the grime that has been an inevitable side effect ...
Timur Mammadov
Santa Monica State Beach is absolutely beautiful! The wide sandy shoreline, clean ocean water, and stunning views make it the perfect place to relax or take a walk. The atmosphere is lively yet peaceful, with plenty of space for everyone to enjoy. Watching the sunset here is unforgettable, and the nearby Santa Monica Pier adds extra charm. A must-visit spot if you’re in Los Angeles!
LC 444
This beach is a nice and large beach with many tourist attractions along it's length like Muscle Beach and the Pier. It is often crowded, and if you dont come in from the bike path, parking is really tough. The views are nice though, and there is a bikeway along the entire length of the beach.
Harvey Carlock
My favorite fun beach location in SoCal. Very clean beach with several lifeguard towers every 100 yards or so along with several public restrooms. There's lots of reasonable parking on the street or in the several parking lots along the beach. The walking and biking lanes are frequently used and run along the length of the SM beach. There's also a cafe with bicycle rentals at the mid point and the...
Daria Kurovskaya
Santa Monica State Beach is a great spot to spend the day. It’s a huge beach with beautiful ocean views. The iconic Santa Monica Pier adds to the experience with food, games, and fun activities, so it’s easy to spend hours just wandering around and enjoying the atmosphere.
When is the best time to visit Santa Monica State Beach (Los Angeles, United States)?
Mornings in summer avoid peak crowds; winter water stays cool—bring a light wetsuit.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Small-group surf lesson | USD 85 |
| Heal the Bay Aquarium ticket | USD 12 |
| Beach yoga class | USD 10 |
| Coffee near the pier | USD 5 |
| Total Estimated | USD 112 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Santa Monica State Beach
Address: Santa Monica State Beach, California, USA
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